Jenny

When I was on active duty, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism from Graves disease. I elected to have I-131 (radiation) ablation to treat the overactive thyroid. I subsequently developed hypothyroidism and take a thyroid replacement medication daily. All of this happened on active duty. When I made my initial claim for Disability and compensation, the serve rep told me to file for hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves disease, which I did and was awarded 10%. My question is, can I also apply for secondary hypothyroidism since I have to take a medication for the rest of my life. I looked at the rating info, but couldn't make heads or tails as to whether both could be awarded and how/why it changes after 6 months, etc. Thanks in advance.

Appreciate the input. I submitted the request on line and uploaded the documents. The VA 1800 number person is able to see them with the time stamp and agrees they were there for the raters to review. They just didn't. I would say the VA did not assist. The e-file option is really asking the Veteran to get and tie all the information up with a bow for the VA to rate. Unfortunately, doing all the work for them did not result in them doing their small portion to get it right. Always appreciate reading and learning from this site. Thank you.

I recently submitted a claim for an increase in benefits related to several service connected conditions that have gotten worse over the past 15+ years. I did it on line with the submission of outside medical records and lay statements from co-workers. The process went pretty smoothly in terms of getting an appt for a C&P exam, but when I received my letter (yes denied), it only had my VA medical records and the C&P exam listed as the evidence reviewed. When I called the 1-800 number to ask if the evidence I submitted had been looked at, she said no. She said I would have to appeal with resubmission of the evidence already submitted and ignored. I asked about a higher level review for their mistake, but she said they wouldn't look at the evidence I originally submitted since it wasn't looked at in the claim. I feel like we, as Veterans, are doing most of the work for the VA and all they want to do is push the answer out to claim that they are keeping their numbers in line as opposed to working a claim correctly the first time. Any thoughts on how I should pursue this are appreciated.